The Lives of Functioning Heroin Users (<em>CNN</em>)

Many are addicted, but not all are 'slouched over in an alley'

Calls to dealers before work and secret drug runs paired with the ability to appear stable, excel at jobs, and raise families are par for the course for functioning heroin addicts, according to a CNN report.

Many users buck the stereotype of the "junkie slouched over in an alley," the report said, and are able to maintain an appearance of normal life. Many choose illicit opioids to self-medicate, while some are simply coping with the reality of their lives.

Experts estimate that 10% to 15% of the population has addiction problems, and the stories told to CNN show that there is no standard behavior for these addicts between first use and rock bottom.

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